Power Skating Tips

Many of you have been told to start on your toes. But do you know why and when and how to start on your toes?

The sport of hockey is all about SPEED, SPEED, SPEED! Coaches, scouts, EVERYONE, is looking at your speed.

Hockey is an intricate and difficult sport. It requires many skills, all of which are separate and distinct, yet inter-related and mutually dependent.

Hockey players weave, cut turn, and change direction at blinding speeds.

To become a great hockey skater, correct skating technique is imperative.

How, in this hockey era where speed is critical, where finesse and fast Europeans are dominating the sport, can skating skill be underestimated?

With special thanks to my friend and colleague, Dr. Jack Blatherwick, PhD., Physiologist, Washington Capitals Hockey Team.

In actuality I call it “drag your toes, touch your heels”. Here it is. Learn it, practice it properly and diligently, then try to skate the same way – Always.

There are four major pushes in hockey skating. I have named these pushes so that players can easily visualize and remember them.

A common misconception is that the push of the forward stride comes mainly from the front of the blade (the toes). This is not so..

All sports utilize the elements of force application to generate movement.

The edge of the pushing skate must grip (dig into) the ice in order to set up the potential for a powerful push.

When we think of skating speed, we seem to focus on straight ahead speed. But in hockey, there are numerous skating maneuvers.

Crossovers are the maneuvers that enable players to accelerate on curves, circles and corners.

Contrary to straight forward or straight backward skating, lateral motion requires wide base.

The C – cut push is usually executed by pushing the outside skate (and leg) against the inside edge of the blade while gliding on the inside skate.

One of my principles of hockey skating involves what I call the “one third, one third, one third” principle.

One of the most important agility moves in hockey is the pivot or tight turn.

The hockey stop leaves players well prepared to start out either in the same or in the opposite direction.

Powerful, fast crossovers are essential for all hockey players.

A famous NHL player once said, “A player who carries the stick in the air is playing for the other team.”

While conditioning is an important aspect of hockey training, it, by itself, does not turn out a great skater.

For 27 years I have been battling hockey people who maintain, Two Hands on the Stick, Two Hands on the Stick.

One way people judge how fast you are is by how quickly you maneuver.

Perfecting any athletic skill is a long-term process that involves comprehension, practice and much repetition.

How can anyone compare the skating needs (or the skating feet) of recreational hockey players with those of pros?

How many players tie their skates real tight, all the way to the top? And tape the ankles as well?

Every skate blade has an inside and outside edge and a groove between the edges, called the “flat” of the blade.

How do you know if someone is a fast skater?

Hockey, baseball, football, basketball, tennis, golf, swimming, running – whatever – all sports are the same!